Two Topeka CUs Plan 'Merger Of Equals' Under Azura CU Name

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Educational Credit Union and Quest Credit Union on Wednesday said they combine in a "merger of equals" under the new name Azura Credit Union.

The two Topeka, Kan.-based credit unions have a combined 140 years of service in Kansas.

Vickie Hurt, current president and CEO of the $268 million Quest CU, is retiring, while $201 million Educational CU CEO Greg Winkler will continue as president and CEO of the new Azura CU post-merger.

The merger is expected to be completed on April 30.

The CUs said the new name was selected as a tribute to the "beautiful azure blue Kansas sky" and their heritage in the state. The name was created by combining the words "azure," meaning clear blue sky, and "terra," meaning land.

"With the combination of the two words, Azura is the place on earth where the dreams found in a clear blue sky can become a reality," the two credit unions said in a statement.

In a remarkable coincidence, this is the second credit union merger in two days that resulted in a new name related to the color blue. On Tuesday, Cheyenne, Wyo.-based Warren FCU and Broomfield, Colo.-based Community Financial CU announced they would merge under the new name Blue Federal Credit Union.

Azura CU will be the fourth-largest state chartered credit union in Kansas. Its assets will top $460 million and it will have 47,500 members. The credit union will have 10 locations in Topeka, Lenexa and Fort Riley.

According to Winkler, the new credit union's community initiatives will focus on four main areas: education, quality of life and fundamental needs, health and wellness, and community revitalization.

Gift to Foundation

The announcement of the credit union's new name was partnered with the details of a project made possible by a gift from Azura Credit Union to the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation to improve Skyline Park. New trail head signs were unveiled displaying the name "Azura Trails at Skyline Park."

The CU said this new partnership will result in overall improvements to the park area and trails, as well as efforts to preserve the surrounding area as a natural environment. A new parking lot will be added to the base of the park. A new main kiosk sign will be installed, trail head signs will be added, trail entrances will be clearly marked, additional maps will be added, a picnic area/shelter location will be determined and interpretive signs describing natural areas and points of interest visible from the summit of the park are scheduled to be included among Skyline Park improvements. Repairs to the north end of the park include the steps and footing leading to the Burnett's Mound summit — the highest point in Topeka.

Winkler said the partnership, in addition to public input in the future, will help preserve and restore Skyline Park as a Topeka landmark. The credit union's wellness committee has adopted a trail at Skyline Park. This will include staff volunteering to help with trail maintenance and improvements.

"We look forward to helping restore a true Topeka treasure," said Winkler. "The views are inspiring and something we hope to share with residents and visitors of Shawnee County. Working together is a key cooperative principle for credit unions. We believe this partnership will greatly benefit the community and is a wonderful project through which to share our new sky-based name, Azura."

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